Sambhar Masala - Authentic Flavour

Authentic South Indian Sambhar Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

For the sambhar:

• Toor dal (arhar dal) – ½ cup
  
• Tamarind – small lemon-sized ball (soaked in warm water)
  
• Drumsticks – 1, cut into 2-inch pieces
  
• Carrot – 1, chopped
  
• Brinjal (small eggplant) – 1, diced
  
• Tomato – 1, chopped
  
• Onion – 1, sliced
  
• Curry leaves – 8–10
  
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
  
• Maharani Masale Sambhar Masala – 2 tbsp
  
• Salt – to taste
  
• Jaggery – ½ tsp (optional, for balance)
  
• Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp
  
• Water – as required
  
• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
  

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

1. Cook the dal:
   Wash the toor dal well and pressure cook it with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric until soft (about 3–4 whistles). Mash the cooked dal and keep aside.
   
2. Prepare the tamarind extract:
   Soak tamarind in warm water for 10–15 minutes. Squeeze and strain to get thick tamarind pulp.
   
3. Cook the vegetables:
   In a pan, add drumsticks, carrots, brinjal, tomato, and onion with 1½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook until vegetables turn soft.
   
4. Add flavors:
   Add the mashed dal, tamarind extract, 2 tbsp Maharani Masale Sambhar Masala, jaggery, and salt. Stir and simmer for 10–12 minutes on low flame to blend all the flavors beautifully.
   
5. Prepare the tempering (tadka):
   Heat 2 tbsp ghee or oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds. Pour this hot tempering over the sambhar.
   
6. Simmer & serve:
   Mix well and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
   

🍽️ Serve With

Serve piping hot sambhar with idlis, dosa, medu vada, or steamed rice for a comforting and wholesome South Indian meal.

✨ Maharani Tip:
For richer flavor, lightly roast ½ tsp fenugreek seeds in ghee and add them while simmering — it brings out the earthy aroma of Maharani Masale Sambhar Masala perfectly.